Heat Pump Installation & Replacement in Charlestown, IN

Immediate Heat Pump Installation Solutions for Year-Year-Round Comfort

Facing extreme weather in Charlestown can be challenging without a reliable heat pump, especially when your current system fails during a freeze or a heatwave. Whether you are battling the frozen winter chills or the sultry summer heat, we ensure your home remains comfortable year-round with systems designed for the local climate. Secure your installation estimate

Homeowners in the area need systems that can handle the unique demands of a humid continental climate. A failing system isn't just an inconvenience; it can lead to frozen pipes in winter or dangerous humidity levels in summer. At Allegiance Heating & Air, LLC, we provide comprehensive change-outs and new construction installations that prioritize efficiency and longevity.

• Rapid, same-day installation ensures your comfort is restored without delay.
• Professional installation adheres to local codes, guaranteeing efficiency and safety.
• Attractive financing options make upgrading accessible and affordable.

All installations are fully licensed, ensuring compliance and quality—with warranty coverage on all equipment.

What Is Included in Our Heat Pump Installation Service

When you invest in a new heating and cooling system, clarity regarding the scope of work is essential. A heat pump installation is more than just swapping boxes; it is a complex integration of mechanical, electrical, and airflow systems. Our service includes a comprehensive approach to ensure the new unit operates at peak manufacturer specifications from day one.

• Site Evaluation and Equipment Removal: The process begins with the safe disconnection and removal of your existing HVAC equipment. This includes recovering any existing refrigerant according to EPA standards to prevent environmental contamination. We dispose of the old unit properly, ensuring your property remains clean.
• Pad and Stand Preparation: The outdoor unit (the condenser) requires a stable foundation. We level the ground and install a new composite pad or snow legs. In the Charlestown area, elevating the unit is often necessary to prevent snow accumulation from blocking airflow during the winter months.
• Electrical and Safety Upgrades: Modern high-efficiency heat pumps often have different electrical requirements than older models. We inspect the disconnect box and whip (the flexible conduit) to ensure they meet current electrical codes. If necessary, we upgrade the circuit breakers and wiring to handle the amp draw of the new system safely.
• Refrigerant Line Set Installation: The copper lines connecting your indoor and outdoor units are critical. We either flush the existing lines to remove contaminants or install brand new, insulated line sets. This ensures the refrigerant flows without obstruction, which is vital for maintaining the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings.
• Indoor Air Handler and Coil Placement: The indoor component is carefully fitted to your existing ductwork. We seal the plenum connections with mastic or metal tape to prevent air leakage, which is a primary cause of energy waste. This step also includes checking the condensate drain lines to prevent future water damage.
• Thermostat Integration: To control a modern heat pump, you need a compatible thermostat. We install and program smart thermostats or proprietary control interfaces that manage the auxiliary heat strips and staging, ensuring the system shifts between heating and cooling modes efficiently.

Understanding the Heat Pump Installation Process

A correct installation follows a strict sequence of events. Skipping steps or rushing the process can lead to premature compressor failure or high energy bills. Allegiance Heating & Air, LLC. follows a rigorous protocol to ensure every system is commissioned correctly.

• Load Calculation and Sizing: First, we perform a Manual J load calculation. This engineering calculation considers the square footage, insulation levels, window types, and orientation of your home. Guessing the size based on the old unit is a common error; sizing must be precise to ensure the unit runs long enough to dehumidify in summer but provides adequate warmth in winter — check our specials.
• System Positioning and Connection: Next, the indoor and outdoor units are positioned. The refrigerant lines are brazed using nitrogen purging. Flowing nitrogen through the lines while brazing prevents oxidation (scale) from forming inside the copper. If scale forms, it can clog the sensitive metering devices in the heat pump, leading to failure.
• Pressure Testing: Once the lines are connected, we pressurize the system with high-pressure nitrogen. This "standing pressure test" verifies that there are absolutely no leaks in the brazed joints or the equipment itself. The system must hold this pressure for a set duration before we proceed.
• Vacuum Evacuation: After verifying the system is leak-free, we connect a vacuum pump. This step pulls the system down to a deep vacuum (measured in microns) to remove oxygen and moisture. Moisture inside a heat pump system is disastrous as it mixes with refrigerant and oil to create acid, which eats away at the compressor windings.
• Charging and Commissioning: Finally, we release the factory refrigerant charge and weigh in any additional refrigerant needed for the length of the line set. We then start the system and measure "subcooling" and "superheat"—technical metrics that tell us exactly how the refrigerant is changing state. We also test the auxiliary heat strips to ensure they engage when the outdoor temperature drops significantly.

Deciding Between Heat Pump Replacement and Repair

Homeowners often struggle to decide whether to pour more money into an aging system or invest in a replacement. Making the right financial decision involves analyzing the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and future energy savings.

• The 50% Rule: A general guideline is that if the cost of the repair approaches 50% of the value of the system, replacement is the smarter financial move. Major component failures, such as a compressor or a leaking evaporator coil, usually fall into this category.
• Equipment Age and R-22 Refrigerant: Heat pumps in Charlestown typically last between 10 and 15 years. If your system is over 12 years old and utilizes the phased-out R-22 refrigerant, repair becomes prohibitively expensive and difficult. Upgrading to a modern system utilizing R-410A or newer refrigerants provides immediate reliability.
• Frequency of Breakdowns: If you have required repairs more than twice in the last two years, the system is likely entering the end of its lifecycle. Continual breakdowns suggest that internal components are wearing out simultaneously. A new system eliminates these surprise costs and restores warranty protection.
• Energy Efficiency Gaps: Heat pump technology has advanced significantly. Older units may have SEER ratings of 10 or 12. Modern systems start at SEER2 14.3 and go much higher. Replacing an old unit can often reduce monthly energy consumption by 20% to 40%, effectively helping the new system pay for itself over time.
• Comfort Issues: If some rooms are always too hot or too cold, or if the humidity in your home feels uncontrolled despite the AC running, the current unit may be improperly sized or the compressor may have lost compression. New variable-speed heat pumps offer superior humidity control and consistent temperatures.

Local Charlestown Regulations and Utility Requirements

Installing a heat pump in this region requires adherence to specific codes and an understanding of local utility infrastructure. Compliance ensures safety and protects the resale value of your home.

• Permitting and Inspections: Most heat pump replacements require a mechanical permit from the local building department. This ensures that the installation meets safety standards regarding electrical connections, gas piping (if dual fuel), and venting. An inspection is typically performed after the installation is complete to verify compliance.
• Electrical Code Compliance: Local codes dictate the type of disconnects, wire sizing, and breaker compatibility required for HVAC equipment. Older homes in the area may need upgrades to the main electrical panel to accommodate modern heat pumps, especially if transitioning from a gas furnace to an all-electric system with high-amperage backup heat strips.
• Condensate Management: Because of the high humidity during Indiana summers, heat pumps generate significant amounts of condensate water. Local codes require this water to be drained properly, often into a dedicated drain line or a condensate pump that routes water away from the foundation. Improper drainage can lead to basement moisture issues or structural damage.
• Rebate Eligibility: Various entities, including federal programs and local utility providers, often offer rebates for installing high-efficiency heat pumps. These incentives are tied to specific performance ratings (SEER2 and HSPF2). To qualify, the system must be installed by a licensed contractor who can provide the necessary AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) certificate matching the indoor and outdoor units.

Our Commitment to Quality: What Sets Us Apart

The performance of a heat pump relies almost entirely on the quality of the installation. Even the most expensive equipment will fail if installed poorly. We focus on technical precision and long-term reliability for every homeowner we serve.

• Ductwork Analysis: We do not ignore the ductwork. Before installing a new unit, we inspect the air distribution system. If the ducts are undersized or leaking, the new heat pump will not perform efficiently. We recommend and implement necessary modifications to ensure your new investment delivers the air where it is needed.
• Auxiliary Heat Configuration: In our climate, the temperature occasionally drops below the efficiency balance point of an air-source heat pump. We carefully size and install electric heat strips (emergency heat) to ensure your home stays warm even during sub-zero cold snaps. This backup is configured to run only when necessary to minimize electricity usage.
• Proper Airflow Tuning: Modern blower motors are variable or multi-speed. We set the airflow (CFM) specifically for the static pressure of your home’s duct system. Correct airflow is critical for the heat exchange process; too little air causes coil freezing, while too much air results in humidity issues and noise.
• Clean and Respectful Service: We treat your home with respect. Our technicians use drop cloths to protect flooring and wear shoe covers. We maintain a tidy workspace throughout the installation and ensure all debris is removed upon completion. You are left with a functioning system and a clean home.
• Comprehensive Post-Install Walkthrough: We do not leave until you are comfortable operating your new system. We walk you through the thermostat functions, explain maintenance requirements (such as filter changes), and review the warranty documentation — read reviews from our customers. We ensure you understand how to maximize the efficiency of your new heat pump.

Comfort You Can Count On from Allegiance Heating & Air, LLC

Allegiance Heating & Air, LLC. is dedicated to providing installation services that stand the test of time. A heat pump is a significant investment in your property and your daily comfort. By choosing a team that prioritizes correct sizing, code compliance, and technical precision, you secure years of trouble-free operation.

Contact us today to discuss your heat pump installation and replacement needs.